Happy Holiday Christmas Party

Thank you to Mark and Ellen Jones for hosting our annual party.

Amazing food

 conversation

 and gifts















Extra special with neighbors Christmas caroling at the door.

November Monthly Meeting

THOSE IN ATTENDANCE INCLUDED:  Beverly and Larry Allen, Bonnie Buhl, AJ Challagundla, Norma Chiaramonte, Sandra Gilbert, Joe and Wendy D’Virgilio, Sandra Gilbert, Debbie Haluch, Sandy Haumpton, Liz Hearn, Ellen and Mark Jones, Ian and Nicole McWilliam, Marcia and David Mausolf, Mike Owens, Dale Smothers, Doc and Peggy Stokley

We also welcomed a new member, Dr. Sharon Morris.

PROGRAM: 

Rob Melloy, President, CCL POA discussed the vision of the POA to enhance and maintain the aesthetic beauty of our community.  Key areas of focus include; freshen aging landscaping, incorporate design ideas that will bring elements of consistency across all sections of CCL.  Key considerations for this plan include working within budget and incorporating plants and trees that are draught and temperature tolerant.  An idea was presented to Rob that we consider hiring a landscape designer to create an overall design plan that could then be put out to bid to various landscape companies. 

Host:  Thank you to Bev and Larry Allen for arranging the program and providing refreshments.   The door prize won by Norma was a book on Gulf Coast landscaping given by Lindsey Zaccari.

OLD BUSINESS:

SECOND LOCATION CCL COMMUNITY GARDEN:  Norma shared that the implementation phase is underway for the garden on Brazos Sage Drive.  The contracted landscape company, Westco has agreed to provide all the materials to establish the garden, i.e. irrigation, soil, river rock, etc. as well as 20 flats of flowers.  Liz with CCL Developer, Mischner, is coordinating the installation with Westco.  It was discussed and agreed that the garden will have a layout in the shape of a butterfly and in addition to flowers, butterfly friendly bushes will be incorporated.  The design will also include a boulder like the one in the original garden.  Ellen will research cost and provide update.

BUTTERFLY GARDEN PLANTING:  This year the planting was completed by IMS and garden club members met to review installation and enjoy morning coffee. The installation was appreciated.  However, there was expressed concern that a key part of our sponsorship of the garden is to come together and do the service work.  It was noted and agreed that the issue will be discussed prior to the spring planting.  An additional action was assigned to work with IMS to replace the crushed granite around the outline of the garden.  Ellen will contact IMS to resolve.

BUTTERFLY GARDEN DEDICATION BRICKS:  Sandra advised 4 new bricks have arrived and will be installed soon.  There was discussion and agreement that the memorial bricks will be available in the new garden.

NEW BUSINESS:

YARD OF THE MONTH (YOM):  Congratulations John and Teresa Miller.  

There was a motion to change the months in which we award YOM. Thoughts considered were:  winter months landscaping is not at its best and we currently judge September – May and miss the prime months of June through August; secondly there are holiday decoration contests in October and December which overlap with YOM.  It was approved and unanimously agreed to amend our YOM judging to take place April through October.

OCTOBER MEETING MINUTES:  Marcia made a motion to dispense with reading of the minutes and Mark seconded.

FINANCIAL REPORT:  Bonnie provided an overview of the past two months including starting balance, expenditures, and closing balance.  There were no questions or discussion.

PROGRAM SCHEDULE 2017-2018:

Month/Host	Speaker/Topic	Door Prize	Refreshments
Oct – Bonnie Buhl	AJ Challagundla – Growing Asian Vegetables	Marcia Mausolf	Marcia Mausolf
Nov – Bev and Larry Allen	Rob Melloy – CCL, HOA President – our community	Lindsey Zaccari	Bev and Larry Allen
Jan – Debbie Haluch	Topic TBD	Marcia Mausolf	Debbie Haluch
Feb – Mike Owens	Kyle Franklin	Mike Owens	Mike Owens
March – Ellen Jones	Topic TBD	Bonnie Buhl	Bonnie Buhl
April – Norma Chiaramonte	Topic TBD	Norma Chiaramonte	Norma Chiaramonte
May – Mark Jones	Topic TBD	Mark Jones	Mark Jones

SAVE THE DATE:  Saturday, December 2.  Ellen and Mark Jones will host the holiday party.

The next CCL Garden Club meeting will be January 8. 

The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 PM

Butterfly Garden Planting

Beautiful morning to enjoy newly planted butterfly garden!

Garden is complete with QR signs for each plant variety

October General Meeting

Ellen Jones opened the meeting at 7pm

THOSE IN ATTENDANCE INCLUDED:  Beverly and Larry Allen, Bonnie Buhl, Norma Chiaramonte, Sandra Gilbert, Debbie Haluch and Dale Smothers, Ellen and Mark Jones, Marcia and David Mausolf.

And, a big welcome to the following new members also in attendance:  Sandy Haupton, AJ Challagundla, Wendy and Joseph D'Virgilio,  and Bill Sonne. 

PROGRAM: 

AJ Challagundla was a guest at our September meeting and spoke about his experiences in growing Asian vegetables in Houston. He graciously volunteered to share his knowledge and experiences at the October meeting.  AJ moved here from Oregon three years ago and in that short time has developed a network of over 100 fellow vegetable gardeners in Cypress, Katy, Sugarland and New Orleans. They share knowledge, tips, seeds and seedlings.

His presentation was full of planting and growing information along with descriptions of each plant and pictures of his bountiful harvests. See full presentation below.

Host:  Thank you to Marcia Mausolf for the delicious cupcakes and door prize.   Larry Allen was the winner of the door prize of hand decorated towels and seasonal hand soap.

OLD BUSINESS:

SECOND LOCATION CCL COMMUNITY GARDEN:  Norma gave the following update:  CCL developer Mischner, has appropriated an area for the CCL Garden Club to create a second community garden.  The area is on the grounds near the club house on Brazos Sage Drive.  Our landscape contractor, Kyle, has helped determine the best spot for planting.  A theme for the garden is yet to be determined. We will be coordinating with the landscape contractor in the new location to determine soil and irrigation needs. Norma is finalizing the details with the CCL Developer, Mischner, and she will provide an update next month.  At that time, we will discuss funding needs, design details and next steps.

BUTTERFLY GARDEN PLANTING:  Larry is working with landscaper regarding the upcoming fall planting and will let us know if it will be November 4 or 11.  It is a fun event and all those available to help on a Saturday morning are encouraged to participate.

GARDEN CLUB FIELD TRIP: Marcia arranged to visit Brookwood for lunch and a Christmas program. Six club members plan to attend on Friday, October 13.  They will be leaving from the Club House parking lot at 8:50 am.

BUTTERFLY GARDEN DEDICATION BRICKS:  Sandra said that 4 engraved bricks were shipped Monday and will be arriving shortly. She will email copy of invoice to Bonnie for payment and arrange to have bricks installed.

NEW BUSINESS:

YARD OF THE MONTH:  Congratulations to Rigina Throop and Michael Alexander.

SEPTEMBER MEETING MINUTES:  Norma made a motion to dispense with reading of the minutes and Mark seconded.

FINANCIAL REPORT:  Bonnie provided an overview of the past two months including starting balance, expenditures, and closing balance.  There were no questions or discussion.

PROGRAM GAPS:  Bev volunteered for refreshments at November meeting and Debbie will provide Door Prize and refreshments in January. Ellen volunteered to obtain speaker for March meeting.

PROGRAM SCHEDULE 2017-2018:

Month/Host	Speaker/Topic	Door Prize	Refreshments
Oct – Bonnie Buhl	AJ Challagundla – Growing Asian Vegetables	Marcia Mausolf	Marcia Mausolf
Nov – Bev and Larry Allen	Rob Melloy – CCL, HOA President – our community	Lindsey Zaccari	Bev and Larry Allen
Jan – Debbie Haluch	Topic TBD	Marcia Mausolf	Debbie Haluch
Feb – Mike Owens	Kyle Franklin	Mike Owens	Mike Owens
March – Ellen Jones	Topic TBD	Bonnie Buhl	Bonnie Buhl
April – Norma Chiaramonte	Topic TBD	Norma Chiaramonte	Norma Chiaramonte
May – Mark Jones	Topic TBD	Mark Jones	Mark Jones

The next CCL Garden Club meeting will be November 13, 2017

The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 PM

October Speaker AJ Challagundla Presentation

September General Meeting

New President, Ellen Jones started the meeting at 7pm.

THOSE IN ATTENDANCE INCLUDED:  Larry Allen, Bonnie Buhl, Norma Chiaramonte, Sandra Gilbert, Debbie Haluch, Dale Smothers, Elizabeth Hearn, Ellen & Mark Jones, Ian and Nicole McWilliam, Marcia Mausolf, Cathy Oland, Mike Owens. AJ Challagundla and Sandy were guests.

PROGRAM:  Ellen asked Debbie Thornton from Farm to Market Flowers to present the program with focus

on fall planting for spring flowers. Good soil and good seed are critical. Recommended using pelleted seeds and soil test through Aggie Horticulture. Important to read information on every seed packet and know the needs of each crop. Demonstrated irrigation method, recommended books to read, seed companies and Websites.

An excellent detailed planting guide and list of references was provided.

HOST:  Thank you to Ian and Nicole McWilliam for the snacks and door prize. The door prize was won by Marcia Mausolf.




OLD BUSINESS:  Committee Reports

SECOND LOCATION CCL COMMUNITY GARDEN:  Norma will provide update at next meeting.

LANDSCAPING PROJECT along Cypress N Houston:  Mike Owens gave update of recent meeting. Plantings to be different on esplanade and sides, $156,000, $29,000 lights, 6 foot wide sidewalks and irrigation system will take one year to complete. We have finished what we can do.

Landscaping around splash pad with diversification in trees was brought up. Mike mentioned a Smoke Tree and Debbie suggested an Orchard and focus on how we can be unique. Larry said we need to develop an agenda to discuss what part we can play when we meet with Rob on November 13.

BRICKS:  Sandra shared photos of bricks in Butterfly Garden and reasons to celebrate and honor by planting engraved bricks. Ian suggested we post something on Facebook to bring attention and encourage the community to participate.

EVENTS/FIELD TRIPS:  Marcia informed us the next outing will be Friday, October 13 to enjoy lunch, shopping and the Christmas program at Brookwood Community1752 FM 1489 Brookshire, TX

YARD OF THE MONTH:  Due to illness there was not a selection for YOTM for September.

CCL Garden Blog:  Debbie is maintaining and making enhancements .

COMMUNICATION AND MEMBERSHIP:  Ian recommended we post an invitation each month on CCL website and CCL Next Door to invite residents to attend.  Post new content each time i.e. speaker information, direct attention to CCL Garden Club Blog, pictures of Butterfly Garden, etc.

KEY DATES:  Ellen reminded everyone of dates for Federation Meeting - April 7, Jr Gardening Event - May 7 and Christmas Party - December 2.


NEW BUSINESS:MINUTES:  Norma made a motion to dispense with reading of the minutes and everyone seconded. 

There was discussion regarding our program for the remainder of 2017/2018 and are the volunteers:

Month/Host	Speaker/Topic	Door Prize	Refreshments
October/ A J Challagundla	A J - Growing Asian Vegetables	Marcia	Marcia
November/ Bev Allen	Rob Melloy – Gardening in our Community
January/ Debbie Haluch	TBD		Debbie
February/ Mike Owens	Kyle Franklin	Mike Owens	Mike Owens
March/	TBD	Bonnie Buhl	Bonnie Buhl
April/ Norma Chiaramonte	TBD	Norma Chiaramonte	Norma Chiaramonte
May/ Mark Jones	TBD	Mark Jones	Mark Jones

A sign up sheet will be passed next month to finalize the open slots for the rest of the year

Next meeting:  October 9, 2017

Meeting was adjourned at 9:10 PM

2017 - 2018 Planning Committee Meeting

President, Norma Chiaramonte called planning meeting to order at 7:05 PM at the Cypress Creek Lakes Community Center.

Attendees:  Norma Chiaramonte, Debbie Haluch, Kathie Corbett, Ian McWilliam, Sandra Gilbert, Larry and Beverly Allen, Mark and Ellen Jones, Bonnie Buhl and new members Lindsey and Allison Zaccari.

Norma nominated Ellen Jones as the new President, Mark Jones seconded the motion and Ian McWilliam made the motion to approve.

Norma nominated Bonnie Buhl as Secretary/Treasurer and Debbie Haluch seconded the motion and all moved to approve

OLD BUSINESS:
Discussion regarding approval for a second location for a CCL Community Garden sponsored by the Garden Club.  Norma has been in touch with developer’s office to see if 40X40 space is available. She will talk with Liz Petit and will provide an update at the September meeting.

Debbie brought up landscaping project along Cypress North Houston and will have details next month on the proposal which included input from Garden Club members Larry Allen, Norma Chiaramonte, Debbie Haluch and Mike Owens.

NEW BUSINESS DISCUSSION:  Ellen opened a discussion about this being the 10 year anniversary of the club and a desire to grow the membership. She encouraged all members to consider inviting a new member and also opened discussion to enhance communications via social media.

• Debbie continues to manage the blog (http://www.cypresscreeklakesgc.blogspot.com/) and has plans to enhance the content by adding website links for all speakers and relevant information sources
  
  
• We also discussed having a more creative and responsive presence on Facebook and the CCL websites
  Norma will focus on creating fresh content each month for both sites and will also check on feasibility of posting content on Next Door

There was discussion to create a slogan or tagline to create awareness of our 10 year anniversary.   Suggested was made to add a tagline to our slogan "Learning and Growing Together” …10 years and growing strong!

2017-2018 Calendar:
Meeting dates: Sept 11, Oct 9, Nov 13, Jan 8, Feb 12, Mar 12, Apr 9 and May 14. 

2017-2018 Special Events:

Ellen and Mark will host the Christmas party on December 2, 2017.

Junior Gardening Event will be held Sat May 5, 2018.

Federation Meeting - CCL to sponsor April 7

Committee Chairs confirmed.

Brick Fundraiser –  Sandra

Butterfly Garden – Larry

Yard of the Month – Beverly

Sign placement – Larry and Ian

Jr. Gardener Event – Liz and Lyn

Field Trips and Events – Marcia

Blog – Debbie

Facebook, CCL  – Norma

Outreach – Norma

Social – Norma

Ellen encouraged committee chairs to recruit new volunteers.

Program Discussion:  Ellen has arranged for Debbie Thornton from Farm to Market Flowers to speak at Sept meeting. Ian will provide refreshments and door prize.

All agreed to request volunteers for monthly speakers, door prize and refreshments at September meeting.

Suggestions were made to include the following topics in this year’s program:

Beverly suggested Rob from POA for Oct

Tree care and pruning - Mark will research

Water gardening was suggested by Norma

Norma will send email regarding meeting date and money for dues next month. No change in amount due: $30 single and $50 family.

Question regarding confirmation of clubhouse reservation dates. Norma will confirm.

Ellen made motion to adjourn. Debbie second, Norma third.